🦏 3-Day Ol Pejeta Conservancy Safari From Nairobi — Private 4×4 Land Cruiser
Safari at a Glance
Wild Springs Adventures · Private 4×4 Safari · 3 Days / 2 Nights · From $850 per person
🏆 TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice 2024 & 2025 · ✅ TRA Licensed TRA1/47/C01/25895 · 🔰 KPSGA Guides · 🚑 Flying Doctors Cover
The Only Place on Earth to See the Last Two Northern White Rhinos
Two rhinos named Najin and Fatu live inside a protected enclosure at Ol Pejeta Conservancy. A mother and her daughter. The last two northern white rhinos alive on Earth.
When they are gone, a subspecies that lived across Central Africa for millions of years ends.
Wild Springs has been running the Nairobi to Ol Pejeta circuit since 2013. Our 3-day safari takes you to Najin and Fatu in person, to the only chimpanzee sanctuary in Kenya, and into a conservancy that holds 240 rhinos — the largest black rhino population in East and Central Africa.
Safari at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 🗺️ Destination | Ol Pejeta Conservancy · Laikipia County |
| ⏱️ Drive from Nairobi | 220 km · 4 to 5 hours via A2 Highway |
| 🚗 Vehicle | Private 4×4 Land Cruiser · pop-up roof · binoculars |
| 🏕️ Accommodation | Sweetwaters Serena Camp recommended · 4 tiers available |
| 🦏 Signature Wildlife | Last 2 Northern White Rhinos · 240 black & white rhinos · 35 chimpanzees · Big Five |
| 🌙 Night Game Drives | Permitted — one of few Kenyan conservancies that allow them |
| 📅 Departures | Private · any date · year-round |
| 💰 Price From | $850 per person (non-resident, 4 sharing) |
Why Ol Pejeta Beats a National Park
Kenya's national parks — Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo — close at 6:00 PM. No night drives. No walking safaris. No off-road tracking.
Ol Pejeta is a private conservancy. Different rules apply:
- Night game drives — leopard, aardwolf, bat-eared fox, bush babies
- Rhino tracking on foot — with armed rangers
- Lion tracking vehicles — join the conservation monitoring team
- Lower vehicle density — sightings shared with two or three vehicles, not twelve
- 8 consecutive years without a poaching incident — an unprecedented record
Add the only chimpanzee sanctuary in Kenya and the last two northern white rhinos on Earth, and the case is complete.
🦏 Najin and Fatu — The Last Two
Najin (born 1989) and her daughter Fatu (born 2000) were flown from the Czech Republic to Ol Pejeta in December 2009. The last male of their subspecies, Sudan, died here in March 2018. Neither female can carry a pregnancy. Natural reproduction is over.
Science is now the only hope. The BioRescue consortium — led by Germany's Leibniz Institute in partnership with Ol Pejeta — harvests eggs from Fatu, fertilises them with preserved sperm from deceased males, and freezes the embryos. Southern white rhinos will carry the first calf. More than 35 viable embryos exist. A northern white rhino calf is expected by 2028.
Your Day 2 visit includes a guided viewing at the Morani Information Centre — the same centre where keepers Zacharia Mutai and James Mwenda have cared for these rhinos daily for over a decade. Your conservancy fee directly funds the BioRescue project and the 24/7 armed protection that keeps Najin and Fatu safe.
You may be among the last generation of humans to see a northern white rhino alive.
🐒 Sweetwaters — Kenya's Only Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Chimpanzees are not native to Kenya. They live naturally from Senegal to Uganda. So why are 35 chimps at Ol Pejeta?
In 1993, civil war forced the closure of a chimpanzee rescue centre in Burundi. Dr. Jane Goodall partnered with Ol Pejeta and Kenya Wildlife Service to build a new sanctuary. It opened that same year as the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary — today a chartered member of the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance.
The sanctuary holds 35 rescued chimpanzees in two natural-enclosure groups separated by the Ewaso Nyiro River. Most were confiscated from the illegal pet trade or orphaned by bushmeat poaching. Sweetwaters provides them with lifelong care.
Your visit includes the observation deck during feeding time, an educational talk from staff, and a 30-minute chimp walk along the river. Chimpanzees share 98.6% of their DNA with humans — watching them for an hour gives context for every primate conversation you'll have afterward.
🌙 Night Game Drives — The Experience National Parks Don't Offer
Ol Pejeta permits scheduled night drives for resident guests. A spotlight-equipped vehicle leaves camp after dinner with a ranger and driver-guide. 90 minutes in the darkness of the Laikipia savannah.
What you see that day drives miss:
- Leopard — more active at night than any other Kenyan feline
- Aardwolf — a rare, striped termite-eating hyena relative
- Bat-eared fox — nocturnal canid with enormous ears
- Bush babies, porcupines, genets, civets, African wild cats
- Occasionally, lions actively hunting — not the sleeping lions of daytime drives
Cost: $95 per person (optional). Book at reservation. We recommend Night 2.
🗓️ 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1 — Nairobi to Ol Pejeta
Distance: 220 km · Drive: 4–5 hours · Meals: Lunch, Dinner
7:00 AM — Hotel pickup in Nairobi. Safari briefing during the drive north through the central highlands.
Stop at the Equator near Nanyuki for photos before crossing into Laikipia County.
Midday — Arrive at Ol Pejeta main gate, enter the 90,000-acre conservancy, check into Sweetwaters Serena Camp (or your selected accommodation).
Afternoon game drive — Your first rhino sightings, large elephant herds, reticulated giraffe, Cape buffalo, plains zebra.
Evening — Sundowners at the camp's floodlit waterhole. Dinner. Optional night drive.
🍽️ Lunch, Dinner | 🏕️ Sweetwaters Serena Camp
Day 2 — Northern White Rhinos & Sweetwaters Chimpanzees
Full day at Ol Pejeta · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6:00 AM — Dawn game drive. Predators active. Golden light. Breakfast at camp.
9:30 AM — Morani Information Centre. Meet Baraka the blind rhino — rescued after losing his sight, now living at Morani where visitors may feed him carrots under staff supervision. Then enter the protected enclosure of Najin and Fatu. Keepers provide context on the BioRescue project.
11:30 AM — Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Observation deck during feeding. Educational talk. 30-minute chimp walk along the Ewaso Nyiro River.
1:30 PM — Lunch at camp.
3:30 PM — Afternoon game drive. Customised to your preferences — lion tracking, birding wetlands, or rhino photography at the eastern waterholes. Sundowners with Mount Kenya views on clear days.
7:30 PM — Dinner. Optional night drive tonight (recommended).
🍽️ Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | 🏕️ Sweetwaters Serena Camp
Day 3 — Morning Game Drive, Return to Nairobi
Meals: Breakfast, Packed lunch
6:00 AM — Final dawn game drive. Your guide focuses on anything you missed — cheetah, leopard, a specific rhino.
8:30 AM — Breakfast. Check out.
10:00 AM — Depart Ol Pejeta. Optional stop in Nanyuki (Cedar Mall, Trout Tree Restaurant).
3:00 PM — Arrive Nairobi. Transfer to your hotel or JKIA for onward connections.
🍽️ Breakfast, Packed lunch
🦁 Wildlife at Ol Pejeta
| Species | Sightings |
|---|---|
| 🦏 Black Rhino | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 183+ individuals — largest in East Africa |
| 🦏 Southern & Northern White Rhino | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Including Najin & Fatu |
| 🐘 African Elephant | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Large herds |
| 🦁 Lion | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Multiple resident prides |
| 🐆 Leopard | ⭐⭐⭐ day / ⭐⭐⭐⭐ night |
| 🐆 Cheetah | ⭐⭐⭐ Coalition males on plains |
| 🐃 Cape Buffalo | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Large herds |
| 🦒 Reticulated Giraffe | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Northern Kenya subspecies |
| 🐒 Chimpanzee | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 35 at Sweetwaters |
| 🐺 Spotted Hyena | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ on night drives |
| 🦓 Grevy's Zebra | ⭐⭐⭐ Endangered — present here |
| 🐦 300+ Bird Species | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
🏨 Accommodation Options
| Tier | Property | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Kongoni Camp / Comfort Gardens | Outside conservancy |
| Mid-Range ⭐ | Sweetwaters Serena Camp | Inside conservancy |
| Luxury | Serena Morani Wing / Jambo Mutara | Inside conservancy |
| Ultra-Luxury | Porini Rhino Camp / Tambarare A&K | Inside conservancy |
💡 90% of our guests choose Sweetwaters Serena Camp — floodlit waterhole viewed from every tent, en-suite tents, full board, pool, best balance of location and comfort.
💰 Transparent 2026 Pricing (Mid-Range Tier — Sweetwaters Serena)
| Persons | 🇰🇪 Citizens | 🌍 EAC Residents | 🌐 Non-Residents |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | KES 68,000 | KES 78,000 | $1,850 |
| 2 people (pp) | KES 52,000 | KES 60,000 | $1,420 |
| 3 people (pp) | KES 48,000 | KES 55,000 | $1,320 |
| 4 people (pp) | KES 45,000 | KES 52,000 | $1,250 |
| 5 people (pp) | KES 43,000 | KES 50,000 | $1,210 |
| 6 people (pp) | KES 42,000 | KES 48,000 | $1,180 |
Budget tier: From $580 pp · Luxury tier: From $1,880 pp · Ultra-luxury: From $2,950 pp
Children: 3–11 years sharing 50% · Own room 75% · Under 3 complimentary
Single supplement: $95/night (non-residents) · KES 4,500/night (citizens)
Deposit: 30% confirms booking · Balance 21 days before departure
✅ Inclusions & Exclusions
| ✅ Included | ❌ Not Included |
|---|---|
| Private 4×4 Land Cruiser + pop-up roof | International flights to Nairobi |
| KPSGA-certified driver-guide | Travel insurance (mandatory) |
| Ol Pejeta conservancy entry (all days) | Tips: guide $15–20/day, camp staff $5/day |
| Full-board accommodation | Alcoholic beverages outside meal plans |
| All day game drives (unlimited) | Optional activities (night drive, lion tracking) |
| Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary entry | Kenya visa (apply at evisa.go.ke) |
| Morani Centre + Najin/Fatu visit | |
| Nairobi pickup & drop-off | |
| Flying Doctors emergency evacuation | |
| Binoculars + drinking water | |
| 24/7 WhatsApp emergency support |
➕ Optional Activities
| Activity | Price (pp) |
|---|---|
| 🌙 Night Game Drive | $95 |
| 🦁 Guided Lion Tracking | $60 |
| 🚴 Cycling Safari (escorted) | $55 |
| 🚶 Bush Walk with Ranger | $70 |
| 🦏 Rhino Tracking on Foot | $85 |
| 🐎 Horseback Safari | $150 |
Book these at the time of your reservation — spaces fill quickly in peak season.
🌦️ When to Visit
Ol Pejeta is excellent year-round — wildlife doesn't migrate out of the conservancy.
- Dry season (Jan–Feb, Jun–Oct): Best wildlife viewing, clearest Mount Kenya views, peak tourist demand — book 2 months ahead
- Green season (Mar–May, Nov–Dec): Lush landscapes, fewer tourists, lower prices, some rain
Best month overall: October. Dry, clear, excellent Mount Kenya visibility.
🏆 Why Wild Springs
✔ TRA Licensed TRA1/47/C01/25895 · TOSK Member #0082 ✔ TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice 2024 & 2025 · 1,200+ verified reviews ✔ KPSGA-Certified Guides · Bronze, Silver, Gold certified ✔ AMREF Flying Doctors evacuation cover included ✔ Own fleet of 4×4 Land Cruisers — no subcontracting ✔ Operating Ol Pejeta since 2013 ✔ Nairobi + Austria offices — European guest coordination
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Are Najin and Fatu still alive?
Yes. As of early 2026, both northern white rhinos are alive and well at Ol Pejeta. Your Day 2 itinerary includes a guided visit to their enclosure accompanied by their keepers.
How many chimpanzees are at Sweetwaters?
35 rescued chimpanzees in two social groups separated by the Ewaso Nyiro River. Sweetwaters is the only place in Kenya where chimpanzees can be seen — they are not native to this country.
Can I see the Big Five at Ol Pejeta?
Yes. All Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino) are resident. Rhino sightings are effectively guaranteed. Leopard is most reliable on night drives.
Is the night game drive worth $95?
For most first-time visitors, yes. You see species impossible to see in national parks — leopard activity is higher, plus aardwolf, bat-eared fox, and nocturnal mammals you won't see anywhere else. We recommend Night 2.
How far is Ol Pejeta from Nairobi?
220 km · 4 to 5 hours by road. Day trips are technically possible but not recommended — the wildlife is most active at dawn and dusk, which you'd miss.
Is Ol Pejeta good for families with children?
Yes, from age 5 upward. Baraka the blind rhino and the Sweetwaters chimpanzees are especially memorable for kids. We recommend the mid-range tier (Sweetwaters Serena Camp) for family comfort.
Can I fly to Ol Pejeta instead of driving?
Yes. Nanyuki Airport is 15 minutes from the conservancy. Scheduled flights from Wilson Airport with Safarilink and Air Kenya. Fly-in adds approximately $400–600 pp. Contact us for a fly-in quote.
What's the cancellation policy?
Full refund with 7 days notice. 50% refund with 72 hours notice. Inside 72 hours we'll transfer your booking to a future date where possible. Travel insurance with cancellation cover is recommended.
🔗 Combine with Other Wild Springs Tours
| Tour | Duration | From |
|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Masai Mara Group Safari | 3 Days | $375 pp |
| 2-Day Amboseli from Nairobi | 2 Days | $450 pp |
| Masai Mara Fly-In Safari | 3 Days | $1,800 pp |
| Mount Kenya Chogoria Trek | 5 Days | $850 pp |
| Kenya Bush to Beach Safari | 10 Days | $2,010 pp |
📞 Book Your 3-Day Ol Pejeta Safari
📱 WhatsApp (2-hour response): +254 729 257 317 · +254 734 417 496
📧 Email: [email protected]
🏢 Nairobi Office: Valley View Office Park, Tower A, First Floor, Parklands
🇦🇹 Austria Office: +43 650 702 1313 · +43 676 676 8130
📱 M-Pesa Paybill: 4065921 · Account: Your name + "Ol Pejeta"
Booking: 30% deposit confirms dates. Balance due 21 days before departure.
✔ TRA Licensed TRA1/47/C01/25895 | ✔ TOSK Member #0082 | ✔ TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice 2024 & 2025 🦏✨
Where You Will Visit
This safari explores the following regions in Kenya
- Nairobi
- Nanyuki
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy
